Final answer:
The synonym for 'dismal' is 'depressing'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this context, the synonym for 'dismal' would be depressing. The passage describes a scene that is unhappy, dreary, and melancholic, with references to desolation, harshness, and misery.
All of these elements indicate a feeling of sadness and hopelessness, which align with the definition of 'dismal'. The synonym 'depressing' captures this mood and conveys the same meaning.